bitchin' sauce

When we see crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, broccoli, baby squash, Japanese turnips and radishes at the North Park Thursday Farmers’ Market, we get the urge to dunk!

Dip them in raw, vegan, flavor packed spreads from Majestic Garlic (cilantro-jalapeno is our favorite), in spicy habanero hummus from Baba Foods, or is smoky Chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce. Try making this almond hummus dip, using nuts from Hopkins AG or use their almond butter as a smear. Plunge veggies into Mediterranean garlic-herb salsa from Hani’s Olives, or make a fondue for dipping with Spring Hill Cheese Company’s organic cheddar!

Pick up Ancient Secrets yogurt and your favorite fresh herbs for this healthy dip. Load up on crisp spring vegetables from your favorite farmers and get dippin’. It’s crunch time!

SHOP & SCORE!

Score a big win with your Super Bowl party guests by shopping the Little Italy Mercato today. “Lucky” ticket-holders will be bundled up in big coats, hats and mittens in Indianapolis with a predicted high in the low 40’s. Really lucky fans here in sunny San Diego can enjoy the big game in tees and sandals, so think about picking up some organic Viva Pops for dessert, along with gooey bars from Olive Oil Cafe (you'll never guess they're gluten-free.)

Start with your appetizers - grab a few baguettes from Bread & Cie and infused oils for dipping from Gianni’s or California Olive. Choose manly cheeses like Fiscalini aged cheddar, Mimolette or Ewephoria (great with beer!) from Taste Cheese and fill your shopping bag with scarlet grapes from Smit Orchards. Forget the fried potato chips and salty dips! Pick up fresh crunchy carrots, celery and sugar snap peas from J.R. Organics, Maciel Farms or Gilbert Quintos to dip in some chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce and hummus from Baba Foods or Lisko Artisan Deli. While you’re at the Bitchin’ booth- grab some extra tubs to spread on your pre-game sandwiches, grilled chicken or fish! Poppa’s Fresh Fish will supply the oysters.

Speaking of the grill, get in on the biggest grilling day of the year with some kickin’ sausages from SonRise Ranch or tri tip and ribs from Da-Le Ranch. Make it a great ‘Half-Thyme’ meal with spices from Thyme of Essence for your grilled meat or veggies.

Not hosting the game this year? Bring a tin of honey cinnamon or spicy roasted almonds from Hopkins AG and a bottle of San Diego merlot from Triple B Ranches for the host. You’ll be Most Valuable Guest, for sure.

LIVENING UP YOUR PLATE

Condiments are the flair of the epicurean world; they take food to the next level, elevate the flavors and make you say “wow!” In addition to the freshest produce North Park Farmer’s Market has some amazing condiments to enhance those farm-to-table meals you make at home. Smear some Bitchin’ Sauce, either regular or chipotle flavor, on your sandwich and taste the transformation. Majestic Garlic’s pickled garlic varieties are crunchy tart surprises in salads and their garlic pastes make for excellent dipping with vegetables. And for the more subtle approach, Salt Farm’s infused sea salts add that certain je ne sais quoi to foods when added as a final touch. Try the black truffle on your steaks from Da Le Ranch or a dash of the habanero-lime in your margarita. The ordinary just got extraordinary!